Practical Security of Quantum Coherent Communications

量子相干通信使用幅度和相位调制光进行信息编码，并使用限制噪声的发射探测器进行解码。实现量子通信的硬件和软件组件已经成熟，各种协议已经在实验室和现场成功地进行了演示。然而，理论安全有时不考虑实际实施，在安全分析中存在漏洞。在这个项目中，学生将开发评估量子相干通信实际安全性的系统和方法。这些将用于测试和验证为光纤和自由空间链路开发的量子相干通信硬件。博士学位可以包括与主题相关的研究组合，以响应不断变化的需求。这项研究是与位于特丁顿的国家物理实验室（NPL）合作进行的。研究的目标分为以下几类。第一年：进行文献研究并写一篇简短的报告。考虑量子相干通信的各种场景，并根据实际安全性列出感兴趣的区域，特别是与相干信号产生和检测相关的区域。开发验证安全性的初始方法和系统。参加约克/NPL提供的入职课程/讲座/研讨会和培训。第2年：根据初始任务的进展和不断变化的需求更新项目计划。根据一年级完成的计划和设计，学生和导师将决定哪些方面是最有趣和最值得继续进行实验研究的。第三年：完成调查。出版物草稿和会议报告草稿。完成并提交论文。该学生将主要在约克郡工作，但预计将与国家物理实验室的同事密切合作，并可能根据需要在国家物理实验室工作

Quantum coherent communications use amplitude and phase modulation light for information encoding and shot noise-limited detectors for decoding. The hardware as well as software components for realizing quantum communications are matured and various protocols have been successfully demonstrated in the lab as well as in the field. However, theoretical security sometimes does not consider the practical implementation and opens loopholes in security analysis. In this project, The student will develop systems and methods for evaluating the practical security of quantum coherent communications. Those will be used to test and verify the quantum coherent communication hardware developed for fibre as well as free-space links. The PhD may comprise a portfolio of studies relevant to the topic, in order to respond to evolving requirements. This research is in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington. The objectives of the research are categorised as follows. Year 1: Perform a literature study and write a short report. Consider various scenarios of quantum coherent communications and list the regions of interest in terms of practical security, in particular, related to coherent signal generation and detection. Develop initial methods and systems for verifying security. Attend induction courses/lectures/seminars and training provided by York/NPL.Year 2: Update project plan in line with progress on initial tasks and evolving requirements. Given the plan and design completed in Year 1, student and supervisors will decide which aspects are the most interesting and rewarding for continued experimental investigation. Year 3: Complete investigations. Drafts for publications and presentations at conferences. Complete and submit the thesis. The student will be primarily based in York but is expected to collaborate closely with colleagues at NPL and may spend time at NPL as required